Gilroy 425g Build Thread (All Apex, all the time)

[57buick]

Have you looked into a better bulkhead like these? They have left hand thread and nut for one person installation. I've used them before and they are much stronger and easier to install.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG4BFIE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hayward BFA1020CES 2-Inch Gray PVC Socket by Thread BFA Series Bulkhead Fitting

 

[Terence]

Have you looked into a better bulkhead like these? They have left hand thread and nut for one person installation. I've used them before and they are much stronger and easier to install.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG4BFIE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hayward BFA1020CES 2-Inch Gray PVC Socket by Thread BFA Series Bulkhead Fitting

I might have to pick up a couple of those and try them out.

 

[Terence]

Quick Question:

Did you reverse the ORP probe for the readings to work?

No, I actually plugged it (ORP probe) into the second port on the Apex and set it for pH. Then, every one unit of pH over 7.0 is -58mv, every 1 unit below 7 is 58mv. So, I shoot for about 10 on the pH scale which is about -174. I still tweaking like crazy on the denitrator - trying to figure it out.

I will likely switch the wires though so the numbers just make more sense on the screen and I don't keep confusing them as I scan the dashboard and scare myself when I see 9.1 on a tile!

 

[Terence]

Corals are growing like crazy since I moved the lights up. Everything is SO much happier on the SPS side of the tank. On the LPS side of the tank it is a little different story since I put them on there last week. I think that the lighting might be to strong for those corals. The duncans are not happy for sure. Some of the others seem to not mind. I will have to watch it closely. It could just be the adjustment of changing from the other lighting to these LED.

This is one of the small tradeoffs with these lights. Since the control is done through an external controller (and the lights themselves do not have individual 0-10V control) all the lights on one controller must do the same exact thing. This certainly makes it easier for users, but for my situation, if I need say 10% less light on that LPS side (or want to even up the light on my SPS side) I cannot do that without purchasing another Philips light controller box. This is not the biggest deal breaker ever, but I would rather have 2- channels of 0-10V control on each light - and then if I wanted to run them all the same, just connect them all in parallel.

We will see how things go over the next few weeks on that LPS side and then decide if I need to get another controller box.

But overall, LOVING these Philips CoralCare lights so far!

 

[Terence]

So, like a cobbler whose children have no shoes, I finally got around to installing our upcoming ATO solution (The ATK) into my tank. I did not install a new FMM though as my existing one had two free ports (I am only monitoring flow on the return pump and RO feed line at the moment).

I also used a solenoid valve so that I could have it feed directly from my RODI. I have a two stage solenoid setup on the RODI. One on the input to the RODI, and then one on the output going to sump. This allows me to also automate filling my containers depending on which solenoids are on.

The secondary optical sensor and the float valve are for the 2nd and 3rd disaster stage prevention. The thumbscrew is not necessary unless you are not using the float valve - in that case it is for securing the tubing. I forgot to take it off when I installed it. :O

 

[hybridazn]

So, like a cobbler whose children have no shoes, I finally got around to installing our upcoming ATO solution (The ATK) into my tank. I did not install a new FMM though as my existing one had two free ports (I am only monitoring flow on the return pump and RO feed line at the moment).

I also used a solenoid valve so that I could have it feed directly from my RODI. I have a two stage solenoid setup on the RODI. One on the input to the RODI, and then one on the output going to sump. This allows me to also automate filling my containers depending on which solenoids are on.

The secondary optical sensor and the float valve are for the 2nd and 3rd disaster stage prevention. The thumbscrew is not necessary unless you are not using the float valve - in that case it is for securing the tubing. I forgot to take it off when I installed it. :O

Is this available yet? I'm ready to ditch my tunze for it haha

 

[Terence]

Is this available yet? I'm ready to ditch my tunze for it haha

Soon, VERY soon...

In fact, there are a few videos out there already from our Insiders that have been putting it through its paces for weeks now.

 

[justingraham]

Can't wait I've been waiting for this even have the money set aside to pre order. It only takes up two spaces correct so I can buy two water sensors with it?

 

[Terence]

Can't wait I've been waiting for this even have the money set aside to pre order. It only takes up two spaces correct so I can buy two water sensors with it?

Yes, you will be able to buy the ATK and then add two other options to it as you see fit - optical sensors, leak detection probes, flow sensors - mix and match.

 

[Terence]

I just realized today I need to pay someone to come and clean up all my wiring, mount things more properly, route tubing properly, etc. I am just not good at that stuff. If anyone in the bay area wants to take this on, maybe we can barter something...

 

[mwilk19]

I just realized today I need to pay someone to come and clean up all my wiring, mount things more properly, route tubing properly, etc. I am just not good at that stuff. If anyone in the bay area wants to take this on, maybe we can barter something...

You mean it's not supposed to look like a bowl of spaghetti? No matter how hard I try to organize my wiring, it always seems to end up that way.

 

[57buick]

I might have to pick up a couple of those and try them out.

Oh another thing that has come in handy many times on those large heavy duty bulkheads lol From Home Depot

 

[Terence]

Oh another thing that has come in handy many times on those large heavy duty bulkheads lol From Home Depot

Yep, I have Channel Locks that big - maybe even one size up from those!

 

[Terence]

sneak peek for my thread followers - new calibration solutions coming out soon - well new packaging really. Shhh...don't ask for them yet - nothing official yet announced...

 

[Krazie4Acans]

sneak peek for my thread followers - new calibration solutions coming out soon - well new packaging really. Shhh...don't ask for them yet - nothing official yet announced...

I'm guessing that there is a pH 4.00 as well?

 

[Terence]

I'm guessing that there is a pH 4.00 as well?

No, not in the pretty color. Not enough volume in sales on that one to justify custom packaging.

 

[Krazie4Acans]

Calcium reactor users revolt!

 

[Terence]

Flying home from a conference - checking in on my tank at 36000 feet. Love this! All looking good. Can't wait to get home, scrape the glass, and see what has been really growing!

 

[Chris155hp]

What camera are you using and what are the reason for the spikes in the DKH readings?

 

[justingraham]

Hey Terrance I looked online but couldn't find an answer
Does the fluid monitoring sensor have the capability of being part of the Flo tile like the wavs do?